An important agreement has been reached between Nepal and China in the field of infrastructure development, including the expansion of the Rasuwagadhi-Kerung cross-border railway.

During the delegation-level talks between Narayan Khadka and his counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that there was an agreement to increase cooperation in the fields of trade, connectivity, investment, health, tourism, poverty alleviation, agriculture, disaster management, education, culture and people-to-people interaction.

In a meeting with Foreign Minister Khadka, the Chinese Foreign Minister announced that the pre-feasibility study of the Kerung-Kathmadu railway will be completed with a subsidy, the ministry said.

Similarly, the construction of electrical transmission across the Nepal-China border was also discussed in the meeting.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Wang has also promised financial support for the construction of electrical transmission lines. Earlier, during Wang’s visit to Nepal, it was agreed to extend the period of pre-feasibility study of the Nepal-China cross-border electrical transmission line by two years. According to the Nepal Electricity Authority, homework is being done to proceed with the pre-feasibility study. But the two sides have yet to agree on its format.

During the talks, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang announced 15.5 billion rupees (800 million Chinese Yuan) in aid to Nepal for 2022.

Nepal’s commitment to one China policy

In the bilateral meeting, Foreign Minister Khadka said that Nepal strongly supports the one China policy. He assured that Nepalese land will not be used against China.

Similarly, Wang reiterated his unconditional support for Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and geographical integrity. He also said that China will continue to help Nepal according to the development needed and priorities of the Nepalese government.